Development & Conservation: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan told trainee Indian Forest Service and Royal Bhutan Forest Service officers in Dehradun that development and environmental conservation can “always go hand in hand,” urging a balance between forests, wildlife, biodiversity, livelihoods and future needs. Water Stress in Bhutan: A National Water Resources Inventory report says 18 water sources have already dried up in Paro and Thimphu, with another 227 still drying—linked to climate change, forest degradation/deforestation, natural calamities and human activities like road work. Disaster Preparedness: Bhutan’s Thimphu earthquake drill tested a 7.5 scenario, exposing gaps in emergency equipment and resource mobilisation while coordinating hospitals and responders, with Nepal experts supporting. Tourism Rules at the Border: From September, regional visitors using Bhutan’s 24-hour SDF waiver can extend trips beyond Rinchending to Milarepa Lhakhang and the Pachu Community Ecotourism Site via approved packages and licensed guides. Wildlife & Community Conservation: In the Gandak basin, villagers are learning to protect gharials—rare fish-eating reptiles—after past fear and confusion with mugger crocodiles pushed the species toward decline. Running Events Standards: The Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation proposes a national certification system for road, trail and mountain races, including course verification, safety/medical plans, emergency arrangements and environmental protection. Matsutake Pressure: Demand for Bhutanese matsutake is rising in Japan, but exporters in Genye say limited supply is holding back orders, raising sustainability concerns for mushroom-growing areas. Local Elections Participation: 3,696 candidates registered for Bhutan’s local government elections, but women remain underrepresented at 17.6%, highlighting a major gender gap in grassroots political participation.